Homeland Security in Michigan: A Cooperative Network of Local, State, and Federal Action

Transcription

1 Homeland Security in Michigan: A Cooperative Network of Local, State, and Federal Action Legislative Research Division Michigan Legislative Service Bureau Research Report Vol. 23 No. 11 December, 2003

2 Homeland Security in Michigan: A Cooperative Network of Local, State, and Federal Action

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary... 1 Introduction: War on Terrorism... 7 War on Terrorism... 7 Foreign and Domestic Response... 8 Federal Response... 9 Emergency Response Fund... 9 USA Patriot Act ) Criminal Laws ) Money Laundering ) Immigration and Detention ) First Responders Transportation Security Homeland Security Department Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) President's 2003 Budget ) First Responders Support ) Defense Against Biological Terrorism ) Security for America's Borders ) Using 21 st Century Technology to Defend the Homeland ) Transportation Security ) Federal Law Enforcement ) Citizen Corps ) Department of Defense and Intelligence Community ) Protecting Critical Infrastructure State Level Response: 50 State Overview Introduction: The Increasing Role of State Governments State Offices of Homeland Security and Task Forces Funding for State Security State Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards Security at Public Buildings Border Security State Measures for Enhanced Intelligence Gathering State Criminal Law Changes Concerning Terrorism State Bioterrorism Efforts Michigan Legislative Response Michigan Response After September Homeland Security Legislation Introduced Prior to December

4 House and Senate Homeland Security Legislation ( ) ) Criminal Justice Legislation ) Emergency Management and Security Homeland Security Legislation ( ) Michigan Administrative Response Coordination with Federal Government Emergency Management Division of MSP State Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) Special Operations Division of MSP Motor Carrier Division of MSP Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The Role of Other Michigan Departments Federal Grants for Michigan Concerns Over the Government's Response Criminal Justice Efforts ) Threat to Civil Liberties ) Effectiveness Emergency Preparedness Efforts ) Inadequate Funding and Lack of Flexibility for Emergency Personnel ) Inadequate Protection and Maintenance of Infrastructure ) Problems of Cooperation in Emergency Management Conclusion... 39

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY War on Terrorism: The official War on Terrorism began on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when terrorists unleashed an air assault on America s military and financial power centers, hijacking four commercial jets and then crashing three of them into the World Trade Center, in New York, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The fourth crashed into the Pennsylvania countryside. More than 3,000 people were murdered and the nation suffered an estimated $60 to $100 billion in damages from this terrorist attack. 1 Federal Response: In response to the September 11 attacks, the United States launched military attacks abroad against terrorist targets and actively reorganized at home to protect U.S. citizens from possible future attacks. Response Abroad: A full-scale campaign was launched, using all elements of national and international power, to pursue Al Qaeda throughout the world. Two successful military campaigns were launched to overthrow the Taliban regime of Afghanistan (in October 2001) and the Saddam Hussein government of Iraq (in March 2003). However, problems persist as terrorist organizations engage in sabotage, attack military personnel, and seek to destabilize these countries in order to thwart U.S. and allied efforts to establish democratic governments. The war on terrorism has also spread to a number of other regions of the world, from military operations against terrorists in the Philippines to law enforcement cooperation with European allies. Home Front: The federal government has passed legislation to make it easier for law enforcement officials to track, detain, and prosecute terrorists (USA Patriot Act). In order to better coordinate security and emergency response efforts, the federal government has created a federal Homeland Security Department (HR 5005) and increased funding for antiterrorism efforts throughout the government. 50 State Response: State governments are in a unique position to help facilitate cooperation and bridge the gap between federal and local efforts to combat terrorism. Since September 11, state leaders have assumed increasingly larger leadership roles in response to changing security needs. They have enacted measures to provide greater protection from and an effective response to any future acts of terrorism. Since the terrorist attacks, states have enacted a number of new public acts which address different aspects of potential terrorism. 2 Some of these responses are: Creation of state homeland security offices and task forces. Increased funding for state security and security of critical infrastructure. Enhanced security measures for issuing state driver's licenses and identification cards. 1 N.Y. delegation seeks $54 billion in U.S. aid, The Washington Times, October 12, Jennifer A.D. Smith and L. Cheryl Runyon, Terrorism Preparedness and Response, NCSL Terrorism Preparedness, Special Report, July 2003, p. 5. 1

6 Increased funding and security measures at state borders. Improved intelligence gathering and investigation by state law enforcement. Creation of new criminal penalties for terrorist acts. Improved preparation and assistance for state and local health departments to respond to bioterrorism attacks. Michigan Legislative Response: In the months that followed the September 11 attacks, the Michigan Legislature passed legislation to respond quickly. Eight bills were passed into law that dealt with antiterrorism and security, seven in 2001 (Public Act Nos. 135, 225, 136, 248, 247, 185, and 186) and one early in 2002 (Public Act No. 24). On Tuesday, December 11, 2001, a thirty-four bill package of antiterrorism/homeland security legislation, designed to increase security and prevent terrorist attacks in Michigan, was introduced in the Michigan Senate. The next day, on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 a similar package of bills was introduced in the Michigan House. This legislation can be placed into two major categories: 1) anti-terrorism legislation that relates to criminal justice issues, and 2) legislation that relates to emergency management and preparedness. 1) Criminal Justice Legislation: The majority of the bills in these two packages were related to criminal justice and to tracking, arrest, and prosecution of terrorists. Three bills (Senate Bill Nos. 730, 803, 806) involve loosening regulations that deal with search warrants and wiretapping. Only the search warrant bill became law (2002 PA 112). One bill (2002 PA 113) added Chapter LXXXIIIA, entitled, Michigan Anti-Terrorism Act" to the Michigan Penal Code (1931 PA 328). A second bill actually enacted the Michigan Anti-Terrorism Act (2002 PA 131). Many bills in both the House and Senate provide increased criminal penalties for certain actions (2002 Public Act Nos. 135, 115, 118, and 117). Other criminal justice bills make additional terrorism activity illegal (2002 PA 116 and 140, 134). Also passed are criminal justice laws that relate to criminal and civil procedure (2002 PA Nos. 120, 119, and 136). Several acts deal with the seizure of terrorist funds and forfeiture of property used in connection with terrorism (2002 PA Nos. 142, 183, 184). New laws that require background checks on students at flight schools and commercial driver license applicants (2002 PA 318 & 258, and 259) were enacted. However, a series of bills (SB 931, HB 5497, and HB 5498) that would have prohibited the state from issuing identification cards to illegal aliens died in committee. 2) Emergency Management and Security: There were several bills that dealt with emergency management and protecting the state's infrastructure. One new act (2002 PA 132) revises powers and duties of the state in the Michigan Emergency Management Act (1976 PA 390). Another act (2002 PA 133) clarifies plans and issues related to the military defense of Michigan. Also, one of these new laws requires hospitals to establish biohazard detection and handling plans (2002 PA 125). Several bills (Senate Bill No. 932, 994 and House Bill No. 5502) that clarify military leave, provide for re-employment for members of the military, and prohibit employers from denying a leave of absence, did not get passed into law. Another bill (Senate Bill No. 951) would have granted immunity from lawsuits, with some exceptions, to military personnel ordered to respond to acts or 2

7 threats of terrorism. A bill (Senate Bill No. 933) would have exempted the state and local government security plans from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, but died in committee Finally, 2002 PA 141 provides for compensation to victims and payment of expenses for governmental terrorism-related offenses. Michigan Administrative Response: There are a number of programs and initiatives in various areas of state government that focus on combating terrorism and providing security for the state's citizens and infrastructure. MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT PURPOSE State Police Subdivisions Emergency Management Division (EMD) Michigan Homeland Protection Board Operations Center Motor Carrier Division Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Department of Transportation (MDOT) Department of Community Health (MDCH) Responsible for coordinating the state's response to a wide range of emergencies and disasters. An advisory body to the governor responsible for developing, and implementing an effective homeland security strategy. The 24-hour-a-day command and control center that coordinates state police response to a wide variety of specialized services. The center serves as the control point for the state's Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and the National Alert Warning System (NAWAS) and coordinates the department's emergency mobilizations and specialists' assignments. The Operations Center is the point of first contact when initiating a state emergency management response to a natural disaster or man-made emergency. Frequently works with the federal government and other entities to track potential terrorist activities. Assists in coordinating the role of the military in providing security in Michigan through the Michigan National Guard and specialized teams of military civil support teams. Working on assessing the vulnerability of critical highway infrastructure and developing security counter measures. Federal funding has been provided to assist the state in preventing or coping with a possible bioterrorism attack and other possible public health emergencies. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the Michigan State Police have been working together and with federal health officials to develop a plan for receipt and distribution of a stockpile of 3

8 medicine and equipment to be able to respond to a bioterrorism attack in the state. 3 Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Agriculture (MDA) Department of State Governor's Office (Emergency Management Assistance Compact) (EMAC) The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) have a role in protecting the environment, specifically the water and food supply, from terrorist attacks or other tampering. The Department of State has made changes to its internal policies and practices in order to improve department vigilance and tracking of suspicious persons and activities. An interstate agreement administered by the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) that streamlines the assistance one governor can lend to another after a natural disaster or terrorist attack by providing a framework for flexible response. Michigan has received, and continues to receive, several federal grant awards in areas of homeland security. Below is a list of criticisms and responses to that criticism concerning antiterrorism criminal justice efforts: Criticism 1) Civil Liberties. Critics argue that state antiterrorism legislation is a threat to civil liberties, because it is too broad and could empower law enforcement to harass innocent people of Middle Eastern descent or intimidate organizations such as labor unions or environmental activists involved in peaceful protest. Also, critics say this legislation could result in a series of abuses such as unfair confiscation of property and the use of excessive fines and punishment. 2) Effectiveness: Critics argue that this legislation is redundant because federal law covers the arrest and prosecution of terrorists. Federal officials will step in once an attack is determined to be terrorism, thereby leaving state law enforcement officials without a great role to play. Response Supporters argue that much of this legislation simply codifies existing criminal procedures and does not threaten the freedoms of American citizens. They say these criticisms rely on overzealous prosecutors and judges who do not protect the constitutional rights of suspects, and juries that are unfair. They argue that these criticisms show more of a general lack of faith in our criminal justice system rather than a criticism of specific antiterrorism legislation. Finally, supporters argue this legislation preserves a judicial check on any law enforcement action, thereby protecting the constitutional rights and civil liberties of suspects. Supporters argue that this legislation provides important tools for law enforcement in protecting the public from terrorist attacks. Terrorist acts are criminal acts involving murder, kidnapping, extortion, torture, and bombing. Supporters argue that states have a role to play in tracking and arresting terrorists who commit such criminal acts. Also, supporters argue, this legislation has value because it gives state authorities the ability to arrest and prosecute 3 Michigan Homeland Security Readiness Report, Michigan Department of State Police, Emergency Management Division (August, 2002), p.10. 4

9 terrorist suspects when, for some reason, federal authorities are unable to do so. Below is a list of criticisms and responses to that criticism concerning emergency preparedness efforts: Criticism 1) Funding and Flexibility: Critics usually fault the federal government for not doing enough in the area of funding and training of emergency response personnel. 4 These critics argue that terrorism is a national issue and it is the responsibility of the federal government to coordinate emergency response and provide adequate funding for state governments. Federal officials argue that there are not enough federal funds to satisfy all the emergency response needs of local and state governments. Response Federal officials respond that they do not have the funds available to supply state and local governments with all of the emergency response training and equipment that satisfies the demand. Also, federal officials argue that categorical grants allow Congress to target certain selected needs and they insure that the funds are actually spent on homeland security rather than on other local problems. 5 Congress authorizes several categorical grant programs for such activities as emergency planning, training, equipment and exercises. Critics argue that these grants deny local governments the flexibility they need to use the money most effectively and to tailor spending to local needs. These critics favor the use of federal block grants. Block grants come with fewer mandates and restrictions and give local governments more flexibility in spending federal funds. 2) Inadequate Protection of Infrastructure: The second concern in the area of emergency management involves inadequate funding for security and maintenance of state infrastructures (bridges, food and water supplies, etc.) and the lack of legislative oversight in this area. 6 More than 85% of the nation's critical infrastructures are privately owned and operated, but the responsibility for safeguarding infrastructure networks lies primarily with local, state, and federal governments. 7 Tight budgets and increased security demands after the September 11 attacks have put a Federal officials argue that the federal government has stepped in to play a major role in protecting state infrastructures from attack. They argue that federal funding for infrastructure protection frees local and state governments to spend their money in other important areas of infrastructure protection and crime prevention. Federal grants for critical infrastructure protection for June 2003 to May 2005, total $5.6 million, with no state matching funds required. 9 In 2002, the Emergency Management Division, which is the lead agency in charge of infrastructure protection from terrorist attack, was funded 74% out of federal funds. Federal officials argue 4 Emergency Responders: Drastically Underfunded, Dangerously Unprepared, Council on Foreign Relations Inc., State and Local Preparedness for Terrorism: Selected Policy Issues, CRS Report for Congress, Updated December 19, 2002, p.8. 6 Task Force on Protecting Democracy, National Conference of State Legislatures, Final Report, July Infrastructure Security in States, Council of State Governments, Homeland Security Brief, April

10 strain on local and state law enforcement and other security personnel. 8 3) Problems of Cooperation in Emergency Management: The third area of concern involves problems associated with the coordination of emergency response, caused, at least in part, by structures of federalism. State governments have a unique role to play in facilitating cooperation between different units of government. There is a debate concerning how best to improve the coordination between state and federal agencies and who should be most active in providing leadership in this area. Some critics argue that the Michigan Legislature needs to do more to understand how these systems work and thereby clarify its important role in making emergency management in Michigan run effectively. that certain grants that go through EMD do require a higher percentage of state funding, however, overall, the federal government provides the majority of funds for heightened anti-terrorism security efforts to protect state infrastructure. Supporters argue that Michigan Legislature took some positive steps by passing legislation that improves coordination between state agencies within Michigan and between neighboring state governments. Supporters also point out that Michigan agencies have been working closely with federal agencies to coordinate local, state and federal administrative action in response to terrorism attacks, and the state legislators are currently doing all that they can to provide assistance to emergency management personnel. Since the September 11 attacks, Michigan officials have been meeting with federal officials with greater frequency and intensity in order to improve Michigan's ability to respond to a possible terrorist attack. 10 Conclusion Policymakers continue to debate the appropriate response to terrorism on American soil. Some argue that the best way to fight terrorism is to track and arrest terrorists before they are able to strike. Others worry that an excessive focus on criminal justice could detract from the rescue and response mission of government authorities participating in the emergency management system and could threaten civil liberties. FEMA and other federal agencies have taken the lead in coordinating emergency response and have been working closely with state agencies to create appropriate response plans in case of a terrorist attack. Since September 11 this coordination between state and federal authorities has become more active and intense. Critics worry that communication and coordination between emergency response personnel at different levels of government (local, state, and federal) need to be improved and that not enough training and equipment is being given to first responders. Traditionally, terrorism has been a national concern handled by federal officials, but as concern about terrorist attacks in America rise, the role of state law enforcement and emergency personnel will continue to evolve. 8 Emergency Stretched Police Thin, National Conference of State Legislatures (2002). 9 Homeland Security Funding-Update, Memorandum to House Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committee, House Fiscal Agency, June 19, Michigan's Anti-Terrorism Strategy Approved by U.S. Justice Department, Office of the Governor Press Release, October 16, 2001, pgs. 2. 6

11 INTRODUCTION: WAR ON TERRORISM War on Terrorism Generally, terror is defined as intense fear and terrorism is defined as the use of force or threats to demoralize, intimidate or subjugate. 11 U.S. government agencies define terrorism as politically motivated violence perpetrated against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents. International terrorism is defined as terrorism involving the citizens or property of more than one country. A terrorist group is defined by 22 U.S.C. 2656f as a group which practices or which has significant subgroups which practice terrorism. 12 Terrorism is not a new threat to the United States. The September 11 attacks, and the subsequent anthrax attacks, are only the most recent and perhaps the most dramatic attacks that the U.S. has suffered. Bombings of the U.S.S. Cole, Oklahoma City, the World Trade Center in 1993, and the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 show that terrorism has been an ongoing and serious threat to the United States. 13 Terrorist activities supported by sophisticated planning, technology, and possible access to biological, chemical and nuclear weapons raises the stakes and makes the threat of terrorism even more imminent and important. World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, after the second plane crashes into the South Tower. For the United States, the current War on Terrorism began on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, when terrorists unleashed a horrific air assault on America s military and financial power centers, hijacking four commercial jets and then crashing three of them into the World Trade Center in New York, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The fourth crashed into the Pennsylvania countryside because some of the passengers resisted. Over 3,000 people were murdered and the nation suffered an estimated $60 to $100 billion in damages from this terrorist attack. 14 The terrorists involved were part of a loosely organized, self-financed, international 11 Webster s New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Terrorism: Middle Eastern Groups and State Sponsors, CRS Report for Congress, 1999, p Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy, Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress, March 6, 2003, N.Y. delegation seeks $54 billion in U.S. aid, The Washington Times, October 12,

12 terrorist organization known as Al Qaeda. 15 This began what is known as the War on Terrorism, which is an effort to destroy terrorist organizations and oppose those countries that sponsor terrorism. This effort also involves defending the homeland of the United States and protecting its citizens from future terrorist attacks. Foreign and Domestic Response In response to the September 11 attacks, the United States launched military attacks abroad against terrorist targets and actively reorganized at home to protect U.S. citizens from possible future attacks. A full-scale campaign was launched, using all elements of national and international power, to go after Al Qaeda. The campaign involved rallying the international community, especially law enforcement and intelligence components, to shut down Al Qaeda cells and financial networks throughout the world. Two major operations were launched, one against the Taliban regime of Afghanistan (in October 2001) and the other against the Saddam Hussein government of Iraq (in March 2003). The Taliban was removed from power and all known Al Qaeda training sites in Afghanistan were destroyed. In Iraq, Hussien's long dictatorship was quickly brought to an end in a matter of weeks. However, problems persist as terrorist organizations commit sabotage, attack military personnel, and seek to destabilize these countries in order to thwart U.S. and allied efforts to establish democratic governments. President Bush rallies the fire fighters at "Ground Zero" days after the September 11 th attacks. the United States, and even within U.S. borders. The War on Terrorism has also spread to other regions of the world in the areas of military operations and law enforcement. U.S. military forces have been dispatched to Yemen, the Philippines and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia to assist and train foreign militaries to fight terrorists. In the area of law enforcement, the United States has stepped up intelligence-sharing and law enforcement cooperation with other governments to root out terrorist cells. Such cells have been operating not only in regimes that support anti-american terrorism but also in nations that are allies to Finally, on the home front, local, state, and federal governments have responded in a variety of ways to protect the citizens and the infrastructure of the United States from potential future terrorist attacks. The federal government has passed legislation to make it easier for law enforcement officials to track, detain, and prosecute terrorists. In order 15 Terrorism, the Future, and U.S. Foreign Policy, Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress, March 6, 2003, 1. 8

13 to better coordinate security and emergency response efforts, the federal government has created a federal Homeland Security Department, and increased funding for antiterrorism efforts throughout the government. State and local governments have also put greater focus on combating terrorism and making first responders more effective should a terrorist attack occur. FEDERAL RESPONSE Emergency Response Fund Shortly after the September 11 attacks, Congress appropriated a $40 billion Emergency Response Fund to wage war against terrorism, aid the reconstruction efforts in New York and Virginia, compensate victims, and strengthen national defenses at home. A total of $10.6 billion was dedicated to homeland security, which has allowed the federal government to do the following: 1) increase the number of U.S. Marine watches a statue of Saddam Hussein being torn down in Baghdad, Iraq. sky marshals on airlines, 2) acquire medicine to treat millions of people for bacterial infection in case of a bioterror attack, 3) deploy hundreds of Coast Guard cutters, aircraft, and small boats to patrol the ports and protect them from internal or external threats, 4) acquire equipment for certain major mail sorting facilities to find and destroy anthrax and other biological agents of terror, 5) and station 8,000 National Guard members troops at baggage screening checkpoints in major airports. 16 Also, this fund helped support the largest criminal investigation in United States history. This criminal investigation has been greatly assisted by another act of Congress, the USA Patriot Act, signed into law by the President on October 26, USA Patriot Act The USA Patriot Act was passed in order to assist law enforcement efforts to track, detain, arrest and prosecute terrorists. The final bill that passed both houses of Congress was H.R. 3162, which resolved differences between House and Senate versions. 18 The USA Patriot Act deals with four general areas: 1) Criminal Laws: gives federal officials greater authority to track and intercept communications, both for law enforcement and foreign intelligence gathering purposes Securing the Homeland Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), accessed June of 2003, p Securing the Homeland Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), accessed June of 2003, p The USA Patriot Act: A Legal Analysis, CRS Report for Congress, April 15, The USA Patriot Act: A Legal Analysis, CRS Report for Congress, April 15,

14 2) Money Laundering: empowers treasury officials with regulatory powers to combat corruption of US financial institutions for foreign money laundering purposes. 20 Specifically, the law increases penalties for money laundering, empowers the federal government to freeze the financial assets of terrorist organizations, and provides regulatory oversight to insure that financial institutions verify the identities of persons opening accounts and disclose suspicious transactions. 21 3) Immigration and Detention: seeks to close U.S. borders to foreign terrorists and to detain and remove those terrorists who are within U.S. borders. 22 The powers of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) were enhanced to detain or remove suspected terrorists at the nation's borders. Giant Masks of President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld are displayed by Anti-War Protesters. 4) First Responders: authorizes grants that will enhance state and local governments ability to respond to and prevent terrorism, and expands information-sharing among law enforcement authorities at different levels of government. 23 Transportation Security On November 19, 2001, President George W. Bush signed into law the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which among other things, established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within the federal Department of Transportation. This act federalized airport security workers and provided uniform standards as well as oversight from the federal government. The TSA is responsible for providing airport and airline security and insuring a secure and safe air travel system The USA Patriot Act: A Legal Analysis, CRS Report for Congress, April 15, Securing the Homeland Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), last accessed June of 2003, p The USA Patriot Act: A Legal Analysis, CRS Report for Congress, April 15, Securing the Homeland Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), last accessed June of 2003, p Securing the Homeland, Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), last accessed June of 2003, p

15 Homeland Security Department To coordinate homeland security efforts after the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush, in Executive Order No of October 8, 2001, established the Office of Homeland Security (OHS) within the Executive Office of the President and a Homeland Security Council (HSC), under his chairmanship. On June 6, 2002, President Bush proposed the establishment of a Homeland Security Department. The President's action was viewed as an effort to move beyond the coordination efforts of OHS to a stronger administrative structure for managing consolidated programs concerned with border security and effective response to domestic terrorism. The bill (HR 5005) eventually passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law (P.L ) by the President on November 25, Secretary Tom Ridge announces the Homeland Security Advisory System designed to measure and evaluate terrorist threats. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) State and local governments exercise primary authority in responding to the consequences of terrorism and the federal government provides assistance as required. FEMA's role is to lead other agencies in protecting public health and safety, restoring essential government services, and providing emergency relief to state and local governments, businesses, and individuals after a terrorist attack. Two months after the September 11 attacks, under Presidential Directive (PDD) 39, the President formalized FEMA's lead role in managing federal agencies' after a domestic terrorist attack and required FEMA to take several actions to increase its effectiveness, and that of other responsible agencies and the states in responding to domestic terrorism. 26 Office of Justice Programs (OJP) The OJP provides funds to state and local governments to enhance their ability to respond to acts of terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The OJP provides funds to Michigan for the purchase of specialized equipment for fire, emergency medical, hazardous materials response, and law enforcement agencies. These equipment purchases include: 1) personal protective equipment, 2) chemical, biological or radiological detection equipment, 3) decontamination equipment, and 4) communications 25 Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management-Legislative Phase, Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, Updated February 25, Combating Terrorism: FEMA Continues to Make Progress in Coordinating Preparedness and Response, United States General Accounting Office (GAO), March

16 equipment. The 2002 Michigan Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant totals $8,958,000, including $400,000 for WMD response training programs. 27 President's 2003 Budget The Administration of George W. Bush and the Department of Homeland Security have laid out the following plan to deal with domestic homeland land security. 28 1) First Responders Support: The Bush Administration's 2003 budget proposes to spend $3.5 billion on enhancing homeland security response capabilities of first responders. Also, the White House wants to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to streamline the flow of resources to states and localities, improve the equipment and training of first responders, and improve federal coordination with first responders. President George W. Bush, surrounded by Congressional leaders, signs the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2004 at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Oct. 1, ) Defense Against Biological Terrorism: The administration's budget proposes $5.9 billion to defend against biological terrorism. The White House hopes to fight bioterrorism by enhancing medical communications, improving specialized federal capabilities to respond, coordinating better with state and local governments and private industry, and stockpiling pharmaceuticals in case of emergency. Finally, the White House puts more focus on scientific research and the development of new vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tests. 3) Security for America's Borders: The administration's 2003 budget proposes $11 billion for border security, including $380 million for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to construct a modernized entry-exit visa system, in order to more effectively track the arrival and departure of non-citizens. The budget also increases the inspection budget for the Customs Service, for hiring additional personnel and buying new technology that will assist in inspecting shipments of goods that enter the United States. Finally, the budget increases 27 Michigan Homeland Security Readiness Report, Michigan Department of State Police, Emergency Management Division (August, 2002), p Securing the Homeland Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), accessed June

17 funding for the Coast Guard for homeland security-related missions, such as protecting ports and coastal areas and interdiction activities. 4) Using 21 st Century Technology to Defend the Homeland: The administration's 2003 budget requests significant funding for cyberspace security and to use information technology to more effectively share information and intelligence between federal agencies and among federal, state, and local, governments. In order to do this it must have the right system of communication infrastructure that bridges gaps between the communications systems of different levels of governments and the private sector. 5) Transportation Security: The administration's 2003 budget requests $4.8 billion to fulfill the mandates established by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The Office of Homeland Security hopes to improve coordination among the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other federal, state, and local agencies as well as airports and the airline industry. 6) Federal Law Enforcement: The administration's 2003 budget will allow the FBI to add more than 300 special agents and other investigative staff to conduct surveillance of terrorists and collect intelligence information about terrorist activities. It will also add more than 130 FBI special agents to combat cybercrime and protect United States banking, finance, energy, transportation, and other critical systems from disruption by terrorists. Finally, it provides the Drug Enforcement Agency with more than 25 financial crime investigators to help identify and shut down the sources of money that support the terrorist cells. 7) Citizen Corps: The Citizen Corps will enable Americans to participate directly in homeland security efforts in their own communities. Citizen Corps will be coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The administration's 2003 budget requests $144 million in matching funds to support the formation and training of local Citizen Corps councils. These councils will develop community action plans and coordinate community volunteers to assist in various areas of law enforcement and emergency response. 8) Department of Defense and Intelligence Community: The President's 2003 budget includes a request for $4.6 billion dedicated to the physical security of Department of Defense facilities and personnel inside the United States. Also, $1.3 billion is requested for maintaining combat air patrols within U.S. airspace. 9) Protecting Critical Infrastructure: The administration has been working with local and state governments and private companies to protect the nation's high risk targets and critical infrastructure systems, such as nuclear power plants, ports, hydroelectric dams, telecommunications, border crossings, and chemical facilities. 13

18 This plan provides a blueprint of the administration's goals and priorities. This is useful in understanding the perspective of the administration, and where the focus will be for future homeland security efforts. 29 STATE LEVEL RESPONSE: 50 STATE OVERVIEW Introduction: The Increasing Role of State Governments National security experts suggest that the success of homeland security depends upon increased cooperation and collaboration among all levels of government. America has a system of federalism, which involves the sharing of governing power between the states and the federal government. The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prescribes that all power not specifically given to the federal government belongs to the states or to the people. The American system is one of overlapping governmental units. Fostering effective cooperation between the thousands of governmental jurisdictions within this country can create complex challenges. State governments are in a unique position to help facilitate that cooperation and help bridge the gap between federal and local efforts to combat terrorism. Before the September 11 attacks, counterterrorism efforts remained mainly in the federal domain. However, since then, state leaders have assumed increasingly larger leadership roles in response to changing security needs. They have enacted measures to provide greater protection from and an effective response to any future acts of terrorism. Since the terrorist attacks, states have enacted a number of new public acts which address different aspects of potential terrorism. 30 State Offices of Homeland Security and Task Forces An important way that states have responded has been through structural changes within state governments. All fifty states have established offices of homeland security. According to the Council of State Governments, nineteen states have created new positions, offices, or agencies to spearhead homeland security since the September 11 attacks. The remaining thirty-one states incorporated these additional responsibilities into existing entities. 31 At least seven states have elevated their new homeland security office to cabinet-level departments, including Alabama, Massachusetts, New York, Missouri, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Virginia. An almost equal number placed this position within their State Department of Military Affairs. Several states placed their homeland security office within the Governor s Office. Finally, more states selected placement in their 29 Securing the Homeland Strengthening the Nation, Office of the President of the United States (2003), last accessed June of Jennifer A.D. Smith and L. Cheryl Runyon, Terrorism Preparedness and Response, NCSL Terrorism Preparedness, Special Report, July 2003, p State Official s Guide to Homeland Security, The Council of State Governments,

19 Department of Public Safety or Emergency Management than any other structure, with at least eighteen states having done so thus far. In addition to a homeland security office, many states established advisory groups to assess security issues. These antiterrorism task forces or councils generally consist of department and agency representatives and help facilitate a united coordinated response. While eight states already had active antiterrorism planning forces in place before the September 11 attacks, at least thirty-seven others have since created similar entities. 32 In many states, these groups helped examine the state s terrorism preparedness and response capabilities in the days following the attacks. Many have also helped identify critical infrastructure and potential targets, and assess areas of state vulnerability. Funding for State Security In October 2001, Michigan's highest ranking policymakers had in-depth briefings from law enforcement and emergency management personnel on Michigan s response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Pictured here is then-attorney General Jennifer Granholm and Secretary of State Candice Miller speaking to the press. State governments have responded to terrorism on many fronts, including enacting important security measures. States have spent billions of dollars on funding homeland security improvements. Some of these expenditures have been based on expectations of federal assistance that has not yet been approved. 33 While federal grants are providing funding in many areas, most states have found that the high price of new homeland security measures can pose challenging policy choices. Some states have resorted to tax increases to help cover these costs. In 2002, Pennsylvania increased taxes on the gaming commission to help finance their homeland security efforts. Minnesota s legislature increased the phone use surcharge in an effort to raise similar funds. 34 State Driver s Licenses and Identification Cards Many states have enhanced the security measures for issuing state driver s licenses and identification cards, which are the most common forms of identification in America. Citizens use them to board airplanes, rent vehicles, and write checks. Each state has its 32 State Official s Guide to Homeland Security, The Council of State Governments, Economic Recovery Requires State and Federal Cooperation, State Legislatures Say, NCSL News, February 10, 2003, p Homeland Security: Who Pays? Chad S. Foster, State Government News, Vol. 46, No. 1, January 2003, p

20 own standard for issuing licenses with individual state identification and residency requirements. Five of the six hijackers on board American Airlines Flight 77, the plane that crashed into the Pentagon, fraudulently received driver s licenses from Virginia. 35 Forty-one states considered legislation concerning driver s license security during the legislative session, and twenty-one of those states successfully enacted such legislation. 36 Since September 11, a number of states have tightened their licensing standards. In Virginia, a notarized affidavit is no longer an acceptable proof of residency or identity. North Carolina now requires not only proof of residency, but a social security number or taxpayer identification number as well. New Jersey has recently joined the states of California and Wyoming in verifying immigration status of applicants with an INS database. Before the terrorist attacks, eight states already refused to issue driver s licenses to individuals who were illegally in the United States (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and South Carolina). Michigan and Rhode Island now require proof that applicants are in the country legally. At the present time, however, four states still issue licenses to residents whether or not they have legal status in the country (North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia). A bill with similar provisions was passed in Texas in 2001, but vetoed by the governor. 37 In addition, several states have enacted legislation that ties the expiration date of an individual s driver s license to the expiration of their immigration visa (Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio). Currently seven states collect fingerprints from applicants applying for or renewing driver s licenses (California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Texas, and West Virginia). Of these states, only Georgia uses these prints for verification when issuing replacement licenses. 38 Another state, West Virginia, is the only state using the biometric identifier of facial recognition technology for identification verification. This technology measures the bone structure of the applicants face and compares it against a stored template of facial characteristics. 39 Twenty-nine states now use digital images on licenses which allow the computer storage of drivers pictures. Oklahoma has begun the process of issuing all drivers licenses in digitized format. It is considered nearly impossible to alter a digitized license. By 2004, all new licenses in Oklahoma will be produced in digitized format State Official s Guide to Homeland Security, The Council of State Governments, 2003, p. ix. 36 Driver s License Security Issues, Testimony of Senator Betty Karnette, California State Senate, on Behalf of the National Conference of State Legislature Before the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, September 5, State Driver s Licensing: Security Concerns, Reed F. Morris, James B. Reed, and Melissa Savage, NCSL Report, January Driver s License Integrity, The Council of State Governments and The National Council of State Legislatures, June 2002, p Standardizing Driver s Licenses: Security, Privacy, and Other Issues, A Focus Report by the House Research Organization, Texas House of Representatives, May 31, Homeland Security, Legislative Brief, Oklahoma State Senate, October 2002, p

21 Security at Public Buildings Following the terrorist attacks, security was strengthened at most state buildings, and especially at state capitols. At least sixteen states now have metal detectors installed at the public entrances to state capitol buildings. 41 Many states have limited public access to one or two entrances. Other states have added further security measures. Kentucky began requiring visitors to show a photo ID and limiting them to designated tours. 42 Oklahoma installed closed circuit television in their capitol building along with new exterior doors and locks. 43 Georgia s statehouse is one of the most secure, with not only television cameras and alarms, but also a fence around the capitol patrolled by armed guards. 44 Perhaps the most preparation-oriented capitol in the country today is California, where security staff regularly simulates bombing and terrorist threats for both legislators and their staffs. 45 Border Security Two Coast Guard Officers on The states have also responded to the increased patrol in New York City. border security needs presented by possible terrorism. While the United States has a 7,500- mile land and air border with its neighbors Canada and Mexico, border security today involves much more than just natural land boundaries. Border points of entry now include land borders, sea ports, international airports, and international mail and courier services. The State of New York s Office of Public Security and the New York State Police have convened an International New York State Border Law Enforcement Task Force comprised of state, Canadian, and U.S. agencies. The task force is working on enhancing the security of New York s 500 mile Canadian border while still allowing robust trade to continue. The New York State Police have also hired 120 new state troopers to serve near the northern border to increase inspections and maintain border security. 46 Many other northern states, including Michigan, have deployed additional state National Guard troops to help support security forces at their Canadian borders. The governors of both 41 States Take Measured Approach to Protecting Democracy, Say New NCSL Report, NCSL News, April 19, Security Measures in State Capitols, National Council of State Legislatures, February, Homeland Security, Legislative Brief, Oklahoma State Senate, October 2002, p State Responses to a National Crisis, National Conference of State Legislatures, Keeping Our Capitols Secure, State Legislatures, Vol. 27, No. 1, January, New York State s Response to Terrorism, New York State Office of Public Security,